window constantly pops up for a split second and disappears

[Dansh]

Hi,

I've been having a problem for the past week or so and been unable to understand or solve it. Once or twice every hour, sometimes less, at no specific times a small window pops up on my screen for a split-second and then immediately disappears regardless of what I'm doing at the moment (browsing the web, watching a movie, playing a game, etc...). I've read in forums and tried looking at the task scheduler and event viewer but was unable to find anything that matches the times of the popups. I tried recording my screen and paused the video exactly on the frame that the popup appears (see attached pic taken while playing a movie) but it didn't provide me with any information what could be causing the trouble. This is very annoying. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Dan.

 

[kevinf80]

Hello Dan and welcome to Malwarebytes, My screen name is kevinf80, i`m here to help clean up your system. Make sure to run all scans from accounts with Administrator status, continue as follows please: Anyone other than the original starter of this thread please DO NOT follow the instructions and advice posted as replies here, my help and advice is NOT related to your system and will probably cause more harm than good... Change the download folder setting in the Default Browser only. so all of the tools we may use are saved to the Desktop: Google Chrome - Click the "Customize and control Google Chrome" button in the upper right-corner of the browser. Choose Settings. at the bottom of the screen click the "Show advanced settings..." link. Scroll down to find the Downloads section and click the Change... button. Select your desktop and click OK. Mozilla Firefox - Click the "Open Menu" button in the upper right-corner of the browser. Choose Options. In the downloads section, click the Browse button, click on the Desktop folder and the click the "Select Folder" button. Click OK to get out of the Options menu. Internet Explorer - Click the Tools menu in the upper right-corner of the browser. Select View downloads. Select the Options link in the lower left of the window. Click Browse and select the Desktop and then choose the Select Folder button. Click OK to get out of the download options screen and then click Close to get out of the View Downloads screen. NOTE: IE8 Does not support changing download locations in this manner. You will need to download the tool(s) to the default folder, usually Downloads, then copy them to the desktop. Change default download folder location in Edge -Boot to a user account with admin status, select start > file explorer > right click on "Downloads" folder and select "Properties" In the new window select "Location" tab > clear the text field box and type in or copy/paste %userprofile%\Desktop > select "Apply" then "OK" Be aware you are not changing the Browser download folder location, you are changing the user’s download directory location..... Next, Follow the instructions in the following link to show hidden files: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-vista/ Next, Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop. Alternative download option: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/6731-farbar-recovery-scan-tool.html Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system (32 bit or 64 bit). If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them. Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version. If your security alerts to FRST either, accept the alert or turn your security off to allow FRST to run. It is not malicious or infected in any way... Be aware FRST must be run from an account with Administrator status...   Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.(Windows 8/10 users will be prompted about Windows SmartScreen protection - click More information and Run.) Make sure Addition.txt is checkmarked under "Optional scans" Press Scan button to run the tool.... It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply. The tool will also make a log named (Addition.txt) Please attach that log to your reply. Let me see those logs... Thank you, Kevin..

[Dansh]

Hello Kevin,

Thank you for the help! I attached the required files.

Dan.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[kevinf80]

Hello Dan, Thanks for those logs, continue as follows: Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into. "Do not open that file" NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work. Open FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait. The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or the folder it was ran from. Please post it to your reply. Next, Download Malwarebytes version 3 from the following link: https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/thankyou/ Double click on the installer and follow the prompts. If necessary select the Blue Help tab for video instructions.... When the install completes and is updated do the following: Open Malwarebytes, select > "settings" > "protection tab" Scroll down to "Scan Options" ensure Scan for Rootkits and Scan within Archives are both on.... Go back to "DashBoard" select the Blue "Scan Now" tab...... When the scan completes deal with any found entries... Then select "Export Summary" then "Text File (*.txt)" name that log and save , you can copy or attach that to your reply... Next, Download AdwCleaner by Xplode onto your Desktop. Or from this Mirror   Double click on Adwcleaner.exe to run the tool Click on the Scan in the Actions box Please wait fot the scan to finish.. When "Waiting for action.Please uncheck elements you want to keep" shows in top line.. Click on the Cleaning box. Next click OK on the "Closing Programs" pop up box. Click OK on the Information box & again OK to allow the necessary reboot After restart the AdwCleaner(C*)-Notepad log will appear, please copy/paste it in your next reply. Where * is the number relative to list of scans completed... Next, Emsisoft Emergency Kit Click Here to download Emsisoft Emergency Kit. The download will automatically start after a moment. Save EmsisoftEmergencyKit.exe to your Desktop. Double click on EmsisoftEmergencyKit.exe (Windows Vista/7/8/10 users: Accept UAC warning if it is enabled). A screen like this will appear:   Leave everything as it is, then click Extract. This will unpack Emsisoft Emergency Kit to the EEK folder located in the root drive (usually C:\). Once the extraction is done, an icon will appear on your Desktop. Double click it to start Emsisoft Emergency Kit.   Wait for Emsisoft Emergency Kit to finish loading signatures. A screen like this should appear:   Choose Yes, then wait for EEK to finish updating. Choose Malware Scan under the Scan button. When EEK asks to activate PUP detection, choose Yes. Wait for the scan to finish.   If EEK detects something, all detected items will be displayed. Place a checkmark before everything, then choose Quarantine Selected. If Emsisoft Emergency Kit asks to reboot, please do so immediately. The scan log is located in Logs -> Scan Logs. Click on the entry of the latest scan, choose Export and save the report on your Desktop.   Please Copy and Paste the contents of the scan log in your next reply. Let me see those logs, also tell me if there any remaining issues or concerns... Thank you, Kevin....

fixlist.txt

[Dansh]

Hello again kevin,

I'm very curious to know what was causing the issue...
thank you for the help. here are the results:

1. FRST Fixlog

Fix result of Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (x64) Version: 28-05-2017
Ran by Dan (30-05-2017 14:34:59) Run:1
Running from C:\Users\Dan\Desktop
Loaded Profiles: Dan (Available Profiles: defaultuser0 & Dan)
Boot Mode: Normal
==============================================

fixlist content:
*****************
Start
CloseProcesses:
CreateRestorePoint:
S3 dbx; system32\DRIVERS\dbx.sys [X]
Shortcut: C:\Users\Dan\Dropbox\developing\libgdx ui\draw9patch - Shortcut.lnk -> D:\Devoloping\sdk\tools\draw9patch.bat (No File)
Hosts:
CMD: ipconfig /flushdns
EmptyTemp:
end

*****************

Processes closed successfully.
Restore point was successfully created.
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\dbx => key removed successfully
dbx => service removed successfully
C:\Users\Dan\Dropbox\developing\libgdx ui\draw9patch - Shortcut.lnk => moved successfully
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts => moved successfully
Hosts restored successfully.

========= ipconfig /flushdns =========

Windows IP Configuration

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

========= End of CMD: =========

=========== EmptyTemp: ==========

BITS transfer queue => 0 B
DOMStore, IE Recovery, AppCache, Feeds Cache, Thumbcache, IconCache => 167618553 B
Java, Flash, Steam htmlcache => 345513048 B
Windows/system/drivers => 41360940 B
Edge => 549330 B
Chrome => 810285169 B
Firefox => 0 B
Opera => 0 B

Temp, IE cache, history, cookies, recent:
Default => 6656 B
Users => 0 B
ProgramData => 0 B
Public => 0 B
systemprofile => 128 B
systemprofile32 => 128 B
LocalService => 0 B
NetworkService => 403784 B
defaultuser0 => 128 B
Dan => 353014362 B

RecycleBin => 2575476 B
EmptyTemp: => 1.6 GB temporary data Removed.

================================

The system needed a reboot.

==== End of Fixlog 14:35:41 ====

2. Malwarebytes version 3 log file (nothing was found)

Malwarebytes
www.malwarebytes.com

-Log Details-
Scan Date: 5/30/17
Scan Time: 2:40 PM
Log File: Malwarebytes_log_file.txt
Administrator: Yes

-Software Information-
Version: 3.1.2.1733
Components Version: 1.0.122
Update Package Version: 1.0.2050
License: Trial

-System Information-
OS: Windows 10
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: DESKTOP-TEDTRJ7\Dan

-Scan Summary-
Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 378953
Threats Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Threats Quarantined: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Time Elapsed: 1 min, 40 sec

-Scan Options-
Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

-Scan Details-
Process: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Module: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Key: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Value: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Data Stream: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folder: 0
(No malicious items detected)

File: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sector: 0
(No malicious items detected)

(end)

3. Adwcleaner log file - C0

# AdwCleaner v6.047 - Logfile created 30/05/2017 at 14:48:33
# Updated on 19/05/2017 by Malwarebytes
# Database : 2017-05-26.6 [Server]
# Operating System : Windows 10 Education  (X64)
# Username : Dan - DESKTOP-TEDTRJ7
# Running from : C:\Users\Dan\Desktop\adwcleaner_6.047.exe
# Mode: Clean
# Support : https://www.malwarebytes.com/support

***** [ Services ] *****

***** [ Folders ] *****

***** [ Files ] *****

***** [ DLL ] *****

***** [ WMI ] *****

***** [ Shortcuts ] *****

***** [ Scheduled Tasks ] *****

***** [ Registry ] *****

***** [ Web browsers ] *****

*************************

:: "Tracing" keys deleted
:: Winsock settings cleared

*************************

C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[C0].txt - [758 Bytes] - [30/05/2017 14:48:33]
C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[S0].txt - [1149 Bytes] - [30/05/2017 14:47:09]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[C0].txt - [903 Bytes] ##########
 

4. Emsisoft Emergency Kit log file

Emsisoft Emergency Kit - Version 2017.4
Scan log

Date    Scan Method    Objects Scanned    Objects Detected    Duration    Type    Computer Name    
5/30/2017 3:01:10 PM    Malware    74203    0    0:00:40    Manual scan    DESKTOP-TEDTRJ7    
 

[kevinf80]

What is happening with your PC, any remaining isues or concerns....?

[Dansh]

Hi Kevin,

The problem didn't happen again in the last day so It looks like it's gone. Thank you very much for the help!

Can you please explain what was the reason?

Dan.

[kevinf80]

Hello Dansh,

I`m really not sure what was causing the problem, all of the logs from scanners were clean. There was one shortcut link entry we moved with FRST that had a mising file, not sure what that was related to.... Is something to do with Android platform....??

Shortcut: C:\Users\Dan\Dropbox\developing\libgdx ui\draw9patch - Shortcut.lnk -> D:\Devoloping\sdk\tools\draw9patch.bat (No File)

Continue with the following to clean up:

Navigate to and delete the following, (if present): C:\ProgramData\Emsisoft C:\Users\{your user name}\Desktop\start emergency kit scanner - Shortcut.lnk C:\EEK C:\Users\{your user name}\Desktop\EmsisoftEmergencyKit.exe Next, Download "Delfix by Xplode" and save it to your desktop. Or use the following if first link is down: "Delfix link mirror" If your security program alerts to Delfix either, accept the alert or turn your security off. Double Click to start the program. If you are using Vista or higher, please right-click and choose run as administrator Make Sure the following items are checked:   Remove disinfection tools <----- this will remove tools we have used. Purge System Restore <--- this will remove all previous and possibly exploited restore points, a new point relative to system status at present will be created. Reset system settings <--- this will reset any system settings back to default that were changed either by us during cleansing or malware/infection Now click on "Run" and wait patiently until the tool has completed. The tool will create a log when it has completed. We don't need you to post this. Any remnant files/logs from tools we have used can be deleted… Next, Read the following links to fully understand PC Security and Best Practices, you may find them useful.... Answers to Common Security Questions and best Practices Do I need a Registry Cleaner? Take care and surf safe Kevin...

[AdvancedSetup]

Please see the following post concerning an hourly popup from a Microsoft Office scheduled task. Credit to ArnoldLayne for information about this issue.

OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration flashes a window every hour

Quote by Microsoft employee below

Quote

Microsoft’s Gregory Jensen replied: “This issue is fixed starting with build 16.0.8201.2025 which is now available as the latest update for those participating in the Office Insiders Slow program.

“It will be included in a future update for those not participating in Insiders.”

It currently is unclear when exactly the fix will be rolled out for all Office users.

 

 

[kevinf80]

Hello again Dansh,

Can you let me know if you require any further help or if the information from @AdvancedSetup is related to your original problem...

Thank you,

Kevin...

[Dansh]

Hi Kevin,

I don't know if what AdvancedSetup said is related to the problem although I do have the most recent office installed.

Regarding the android file you mentioned, I used to develop apps so I had the android sdk installed but it was a long time ago before the problem started.

But it seems now the problem has stopped, anyway I haven't noticed it happening again since yesterday.

Thank you,

Dan.

[kevinf80]

Hiya Dan,

I guess for now we are ok to close out your thread as solved, if the issue does reappear PM me and i`ll have your thread re-opened.... 

There was no definite Malware or Infection showing in your logs, I have no problem running deeper scans if you are still concerned

Thank you,

Kevin....

Edited June 1, 2017 by kevinf80

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help. :)If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!